Ship Car To Hamburg
Car Shipping Hamburg
Hamburg is one of the largest States in Germany and has the second largest sea port in all of Europe, thus making it a perfect State to import your car from the United States easily. When you need to import your car to Hamburg you’ll need to hire an international auto transport company to take care of everything for you.
The agent at the auto transport company will be a valuable source of information on documents you’ll need for Customs in Germany, paperwork that you’ll need prior to shipping from the U.S., where the major shipping ports in the U.S. are located, and the methods of shifting that you can choose to move your car overseas. There are many regulations that you will need to know about for importing a car to Hamburg, as well as car modifications that you may need to have prior to shipping the car in order to meet German vehicle emissions specifications. Your agent will be able to fully explain modifications that may be necessary, or you can contact the German Missions in Washington, DC for further information.
Cost & Time Examples For Moving a Vehicle to Hamburg
| To/From | Ground | Ocean | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamburg to (New York port) to New York, NY | $275 | $2200 | 5+17 days |
| Local Area to (California port) to Los Angeles | $350 | $3400 | 5+30 days |
| Hamburg to (New York port) to Boston, MA | $400 | $2200 | 5+17 days |
| Las Vegas, NV to (California port) to City Limits | $450 | $3400 | 5+30 days |
| Hamburg to (California port) to Seattle, WA | $550 | $3400 | 6+30 days |
| Local Area to (New York port) to Detroit, MI | $575 | $2200 | 6+17 days |
| Chicago, IL to (New York port) to The Area | $675 | $2200 | 6+17 days |
| Denver, CO to (California port) to Hamburg | $775 | $3400 | 7+30 days |
| Memphis, TN to (New York port) to Local Area | $800 | $2200 | 6+17 days |
| Dallas, TX to (California port) to City Limits | $1,025 | $3400 | 7+30 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
*Save the ground transport cost by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
*Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.
*Prices are for 1 car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to relocate a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
*Using the RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.
Necessary Paperwork
No matter what you do in life, there is usually paperwork to fill out and this holds true for importing a car to Hamburg or anywhere internationally. For the auto transport company in the United States, you will need to provide essential documents such as your driver’s license, social security card, car title and insurance certificate. You will also need to sign a Power of Attorney form to allow the company to move your vehicle to the port in the United States if necessary as well as overseas to Hamburg. German Customs will need far more paperwork that the company will need. You will also need to adhere to some guidelines and mandatory regulations when going through customs. You will need to pay a duty fee equal to 10% of the total vehicle value as well as a 19% Import tax. You can often avoid paying the taxes and duties but you will have to be able to prove the following:
- You have plans to become a resident of Hamburg
- The car is registered in your name
- You have lived outside of the EU for the last year
- You must own the vehicle for at least six months before importing
- You will either export the vehicle back to the U.S. or will sell it in Germany prior to leaving Hamburg and returning to the United States
Before the Car Leaves for Hamburg
Before your car is exported from the United States to ship to Hamburg, you will need to go over all details of the shipping process with your agent. The agent will explain all aspects of required paperwork, types of hauling, time frames that you should expect your car to arrive in Hamburg and the total cost for hauling internationally. The cost will vary depending on the method used to shift the car, the weight and size of the car, pick-up, and delivery within the United States or pickup and delivery when the car reaches Hamburg. If you are able to deliver the car to the port in the U.S. and pick it up when it reaches Hamburg it will save you some money for delivery charges. You may also want to check with Customs in the United States to gather information on exporting any personal items that you may need to shift and what the regulations may be to move them along with your car. Since Hamburg has the second largest port in Europe, you will most likely want to ship by ocean cargo ship. There are two ways to relocate internationally by sea and those ways are:
- Roll On Roll Off Shipping (Also known as Ro-Ro Shipping)
Ro-Ro Shipping is the most widely used method of shifting a vehicle internationally. With Ro-Ro Shipping, cars are driven directly on the carrier ship at the point of origin and driven off at the destination point. This is the most efficient way of moving a vehicle to Hamburg.
- Container Vehicle Shipping
From the United States to the Port of Hamburg your car will be shifted in a container. Although the container price makes Container Shipping more expensive than Ro-Ro Shipping it is worth it if you need to move more than just your automobile. Whether you require a 20- or 40-foot container you will have plenty of room for your car and all of your other household goods during a move.
Other Services
- Moving to Hamburg
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ship a car to Hamburg from the USA?
To ship a car to Hamburg, your vehicle is first transported to a U.S. export port, then loaded onto an ocean vessel bound for Germany. Most shipments arrive at the Port of Hamburg, one of Europe’s largest auto-import hubs. The process includes export documentation, ocean freight, and German customs clearance. Working with an experienced international car shipping provider helps ensure compliance with U.S. and EU regulations.
What does it cost to ship a car to Hamburg, Germany?
Shipping a car to Hamburg from the USA typically costs $1,100–$2,400. Pricing is influenced by vehicle size, shipping method, departure port, and seasonal vessel availability. Roll on roll off shipping is usually less expensive than container service, while inland U.S. transport increases total cost. Fuel surcharges and port handling fees also apply. Current pricing trends can be reviewed using the car shipping rates guide.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car to Hamburg?
The cheapest way to ship a car to Hamburg is usually roll on roll off shipping. This method involves driving the vehicle directly onto the ship, reducing labor and container costs. It works best for operable vehicles and standard passenger cars. Personal items cannot remain inside the vehicle. For budget-focused international moves, reviewing roll on roll off shipping costs helps set realistic expectations.
How long does it take to ship a car to Hamburg?
Car shipping to Hamburg generally takes 4–7 weeks from pickup to delivery. Ocean transit alone averages 20–35 days, depending on the U.S. port and sailing schedule. Additional time is required for export processing, vessel loading, and German customs clearance. Weather conditions in the North Atlantic and port congestion can affect timelines. Booking earlier and choosing direct sailings can help reduce delays.
What documents are required to ship a car to Hamburg?
You will need the original vehicle title, bill of sale, passport copy, and a signed export authorization to ship a car to Hamburg. German customs may also request proof of ownership and compliance with EU import standards. Vehicles being permanently imported may require additional documentation. Many customers shipping internationally rely on guidance similar to what’s required when importing from Germany to avoid paperwork errors.
Should I use container or enclosed shipping for Hamburg car transport?
Container or enclosed shipping is recommended for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles. This method offers added protection from salt air, weather exposure, and handling risks during ocean transit. While it costs more than roll on roll off, it allows limited personal items inside the vehicle and provides greater security. Learn more about protective options through enclosed auto transport for international shipments.
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